Speak Your Mind….Even if Your Voice Shakes
April 6th, 2008, by Shelley Riutta
“Speak your mind…even if your voice shakes” Maggie Kuhn, member of the Gray Panthers–social activist group advocating for justice and fairness for older americans.
I was reminded of this quote when I attended my first Toastmasters meeting last Thursday. For those of you who don’t know– Toastmasters is an organization designed to give people an opportunity to speak in front of a group and get constructive feedback. Some people attend for personal growth–and some attend to help develop their speaking skills for their profession. I had been wanting to attend Toastmasters for about a year and I finally put it in my schedule and attended.
I was so inspired by everyone who gave a speech! Despite nervousness and shakey voices they were doing it—moving beyond their fears into freedom. It was so moving for me. One of the biggest fears for most people is public speaking and here was a whole group of people actively moving through this fear.
I thought since it was my first meeting that I would be off the hook from speaking—not so—just as my mind was starting to drift off I heard my name. My friend Nancy who was in charge of the table top speeches–these are 1-2 minute speeches that are impromptu speeches on a random topic–decided to call on me to do one of the speeches. For me public speaking creates some anxiety in me but more than anything I get excited and invigorated by speaking. So I left the meeting flying high because of a few things—I was inspired by the others who were moving through their fears, I was excited that I finally attended and I’m glad I got my feet wet by getting to speak!
The more you face your fears and do it anyway you will move into freedom in your life. Don’t let your fears hold you back any longer. Do it even if your voice shakes!
What are you afraid of? What can you do to face this fear rather than avoiding it? Make a plan to do it this week!
Hi, I'm Shelley Riutta MSE, LPC a Holistic Psychotherapist in private practice. I specialize in helping people connect with their Authentic selves--and from this create a life that is in alignment with their Life Purpose and filled with Joy. I offer transformational individual counseling, presentations, groups and Workshops. You can get my Free Workbook "What Do You REALLY Want: Finding Purpose and Passion in Your Life" here or contact me at 920-265-2627.
